Planning for unplanned releases

Prevention of unplanned releases of airborne or liquid radioactive contaminants becomes increasingly necessary for public acceptance of nuclear power as a replacement for conventional energy sources. Environmental surveillance programmes are able to prove compliance with regulations concerning radioactivity releases, and the analyses of data collected in such programmes may serve as indicators of low-level unplanned releases. Analytical radiochemistry utilizing modern instrumental techniques of high-resolution alpha- and gamma-ray spectrometry coupled with selected radiochemical procedures is used for qualitative and quantitative determinations of radioactivity in surveillance samples. By combining in a facility emergency plan the equipment, techniques and personnel used in the surveillance programmes, it is possible to respond to unplanned releases in an expeditious manner. The radiochemist in charge of routine analyses for surveillance samples has unique knowledge to assist in the investigation stage following major unplanned releases. With early planning, the team of management, health physicists and radiochemists can put together an emergency scheme to lessen the impact of unplanned releases. (author)